India’s New Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024: Modernizing Bollywood

New Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024

The Indian film industry, one of the largest in the world, is set to witness a significant transformation with the notification of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. These new rules notified on 15th March 2024 aim to streamline and modernize the film certification process for the digital age, keeping pace with the emerging technologies and advancements in film production and distribution. The rules aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business for the film industry while safeguarding the interests of artists and combating piracy.

The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024:

  1. e-cinepramaan portal – Online Certification: The adoption of online processes for film certification aims to increase transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business in the film industry. The e-cinepramaan portal will enable filmmakers to submit their applications online, track the status of their applications, and receive their certificates digitally. This move is expected to significantly reduce the time taken for the certification process and minimize the scope for corruption and discretion.
  2. Reduced Processing Time: The new rules will cut down the time required for processing film certification by adopting fully digital processes. The online certification system will enable the CBFC to process applications faster and more efficiently, reducing the waiting time for filmmakers.
  3. Accessibility Features: Films will now need to include features that make them accessible to disabled persons. The new rules mandate that films must have subtitles, audio descriptions, and sign language interpretation to ensure that they are accessible to people with visual and hearing impairments.
  4. Women Representation: There will be a greater representation of women in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Board and its Advisory Panels, with at least one-third of the members being women. This move is aimed at promoting gender diversity and ensuring that the perspectives of women are adequately represented in the film certification process.
  5. Age-Based Certification: The introduction of age-based categories for certification, further subdividing the existing ‘UA’ category into UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+. This move is aimed at providing better guidance to audiences, particularly parents, in deciding the suitability of a film for their children. The age-based markers will be prominently displayed on the film certificates, making it easier for audiences to make informed choices.
  6. Priority Screening System: A system for priority screening of films will be implemented to help filmmakers meet their release commitments. The new rules provide for a transparent and objective system for priority screening of films, based on certain criteria such as the release date, the number of screens booked, and the potential impact on the box office.
  7. Perpetual Validity of Certificates: Certificates issued by the CBFC will now have perpetual validity, removing the previous 10-year restriction. This move is expected to significantly reduce the administrative burden on filmmakers and enable them to focus on their creative pursuits.
  8. Change of Category for Television: Films will be recertified for television broadcast to ensure that only films suitable for unrestricted public exhibition are shown on TV. The new rules provide for a separate certification process for films that are to be broadcast on television, taking into account the different viewing context and audience demographics.

What Led to the Revision of the Cinematograph Rules?

The Cinematograph Act, 1952, has been the cornerstone of film certification in India for over six decades. The Act has undergone several amendments over the years to keep up with the changing times.

The historical context of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, can be traced back to the pre-independence era when the British government introduced the Cinematograph Act, 1918, to regulate the exhibition of films in India.

After independence, the Indian government enacted the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which established the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to certify films for public exhibition.

Over the years, the Act has been amended several times, the most significant amendment came in 1983 when the government introduced the “U/A” (Unrestricted Public Exhibition subject to Parental Guidance for children below the age of twelve) category.

With the rapid advancements in technology and the changing demographics of the audience, there has been a growing demand for further reforms in the film certification process.

In last decade, increasing incidence of film piracy has become a major concern for the film industry, leading to a demand for stricter penalties and measures to combat this menace.

Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 aims to address these challenges as the need for modernization has become more pressing in recent years.

What Challenges Might Arise in Implementing these New Rules?

While the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, are a step in the right direction, there are several challenges that may arise in their implementation.

One of the key challenges is the enforcement of the new rules, particularly with regard to the measures to combat piracy. While the rules provide for stringent penalties and anti-piracy measures, their effectiveness will depend on the ability of the authorities to enforce them effectively.

Another challenge is the complexity of the new rules, which may create confusion and ambiguity for filmmakers and other stakeholders. The introduction of age-based certification categories and the separate certification process for television broadcast may require filmmakers to navigate a complex web of regulations and procedures.

Also, there are concerns about the potential for the new rules to be used as a tool for censorship and political or ideological control. While the rules aim to promote transparency and reduce discretion in the certification process, there is a risk that they may be misused to stifle creative freedom and suppress dissent.

Final Thoughts

The notification of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, aim to modernize the certification process, promote transparency and efficiency, and combat film piracy while safeguarding the interests of artists and the creative industry.

As the Indian film industry continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times, it is crucial that the regulatory framework keeps pace with the needs and aspirations of the industry and the audience. The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, are a step in the right direction, but their true impact will only be felt in the years to come.

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